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The high-end Swiss watchmaker recently introduced the third generation of watches with a Harmonious Oscillator, a revolutionary invention that eliminates the influence of gravity on the movement. With a new Rudis Sylva RS12 Grand Art Horloger watch, exquisite hand-made decorations on the unique mechanism with two balances are completely revealed through a transparent dial.

Rudis Sylva RS12 Grand Art Horloger Watch

At the beginning, let us get clear what the Harmonious Oscillator is and why a great number of high-end watchmakers consider this groundbreaking invention as one of the most important in the watchmaking history. Firstly, it is a regulator that provides much higher precision than conventional tourbillons, thanks to its unique system of two mechanically interlinked, toothed balance wheels driven by a single escapement. The link ensures the same amplitude, while the asymmetric deployment of the balance springs provides instantaneous correction in the vertical position, thus minimizing the effect of the Earth’s gravity, unlike a conventional tourbillon which needs a minute for the correction in the vertical position.

The cage of the regulator turns once every 60 seconds. The stunning in-house mechanism also features an escapement with one lever positioned at 90 degrees, as well as a double barrel providing the great power reserve of 70 hours. The beauty of this hand-winding movement that oscillates with 21,600 vibrations per hour is in line with its extraordinary performances. It is so great that Rudis Sylva decided to make it completely visible through a transparent sapphire crystal dial.

Rudis Sylva RS12 Grand Art Horloger Watch

First that you will probably notice is a seconds indicator bridge at the 6 o’clock position, including 28 internal angles. It is crafted in titanium and hand-beveled. The fact that craftsmen need 10 times longer period to make a sharp internal angle in titanium than a rounded corner in steel, testifies about its complexity. The main plate is another piece of art, especially its lower part that comes with a hand-crafted guilloche decoration of tapering pyramids. Every guilloche line features 60 pyramids which become more and more bigger as they are closer to the center. In the upper part, there is a stylish enamel dial, indicating hours and minutes.

The case of Rudis Sylva RS12 Grand Art Horloger watch is made either of 18 karat rose or white gold (both come with vertical satin treatment). It is a robust watch, with the diameter of 44mm (14.3mm thick). Crafted in gold, the case-back features a beautiful engraving of the brand’s name and logo, as well as an interesting sun-dial. It is fitted on a black leather strap with a gold buckle. The price of this model is the only thing that prevented me from buying this timepiece. For those who are interested, it costs CHF250,000.